Featured Resource
Online Safety Parent Toolkit
Check out our online safety parent toolkit for advice and guidance on managing your child's online safety and screen time.
Technology and screen time are significant issues for today’s tech-savvy generation. Screen time refers to the amount of time someone spends using a device, including playing games on a smartphone or console, streaming video content, browsing the internet, doing homework online, or engaging in any other screen-based activities.
Featured Resource
Check out our online safety parent toolkit for advice and guidance on managing your child's online safety and screen time.
Last Updated30/07/2024
Children learn best by observing their parents. Demonstrating appropriate screen time behaviours is an effective way for young people to understand its impact. Before addressing concerns about your children’s screen time, consider the effects of your own screen usage.
The news often highlights the negative effects of spending time online. But is screen time always detrimental?
While there are no official guidelines for adults (unlike for children), several blogs suggest a two-hour limit for adult screen time outside of work and study.
Research indicates that connecting with friends or engaging in creative tasks online can be positive. If you feel unhappy or notice a negative impact on other aspects of your life due to the time spent online, consider ways to reduce it.
Many online activities can be beneficial and help develop new skills, connect with friends, or enhance critical thinking.
If it interferes with family or friends, disrupts sleep, or hinders study, it may be time to manage it better.
Positive feelings are a good sign, but if you feel upset, frustrated, bored, or irritated, it might be wise to cut down.
Explore the benefits and potential risks linked to screen time. Research suggests that while excessive screen time can cause harm, the definition of “too much” varies between children. It's more about how they use their devices rather than the duration.
Potential risks of overexposure:
Benefits of screen time:
Understand their online activities
Discuss what they use digital technology for to better comprehend their screen time habits. Consider the age and stage of your children to decide on appropriate limits.
Key considerations for families:
Encourage self-management
Teach older children to manage their own screen time. Topics to discuss include their daily screen time, recognising when they’ve been online too long, feelings after excessive use, and the benefits of offline activities.
Set boundaries
Establish boundaries similar to those for bedtimes, chores, or driving. This is easier if introduced when a child first gets a device. Older children may need an open discussion about changes. Modelling good screen habits yourself is also crucial.
If you're experiencing online abuse, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.
Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.